£5m project aims to boost green spaces in Bloxwich

Councillors Gary Flint and Adrian Andrews have been promoting the mental health benefits of green spaces

A £5m project aims to transform playing fields and public gardens in Bloxwich by overhauling disused buildings and creating new sports facilities.

The scheme focuses on areas such as the King George V playing fields, the largest green space in Bloxwich.

The Green Bloxwich Programme is part of the government's national £25m Town Deal fund.

One councillor said the Covid pandemic had shown how important green spaces were for residents' mental health.

Also included in proposals are Leamore Park, Promenade Gardens, and Pat Collins Memorial Gardens.

The project calls for facilities such as tennis courts, outdoor gyms, allotment areas, and improved car parking.

The King George V Playing Fields is the town's biggest space

At the King George V playing fields, there are also plans to bring two redundant buildings back into use.

Benton's Lodge would be refurbished and made available for businesses to let, while the pavilion would contain a cafe, toilets, meeting areas and changing facilities for sports teams.

"Through Covid, green spaces were very important to people's mental health and wellbeing," said Gary Flint, Conservative councillor for Bloxwich East ward on Walsall Borough Council.

"We've tried to capitalise on that going forward with some proper investment in green spaces."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.